Best Tent Camping near Scarbro, WV
Tent camping options near Scarbro, West Virginia center around several established primitive sites within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, as well as the nearby Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area. These areas offer a range of tent-focused experiences from riverside beach camping to secluded forest sites, with most locations requiring minimal hiking from parking areas to reach the designated tent sites.
Tent pads vary considerably throughout the region's campgrounds. Stone Cliff Campground features sandy sites directly along the New River, while Plum Orchard Lake WMA offers more rugged dirt surfaces with limited leveling. Most primitive tent campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than flush facilities, with Stone Cliff's restrooms sometimes overwhelmed during rafting season. Water sources are scarce, requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Walk-in tent locations typically require carrying gear short distances from parking areas, with Stone Cliff requiring navigation down a significant staircase to reach riverside sites.
The tent camping experience in this region offers distinct advantages for those seeking natural settings. Plum Orchard Lake WMA provides a more remote experience with fewer visitors, though its gravel access roads can be challenging. A camper noted, "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle." Sites along the New River offer scenic water views but come with occasional train noise from across the river. Stone Cliff's beach-like tent sites allow for swimming access but can be crowded during peak rafting season. One reviewer mentioned, "There are 4 nice spots down on the beach and two up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead." Most primitive tent setups throughout the area permit fires in established rings when no bans are in effect.










